Govt notifies environment norms for new gensets

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NEW DELHI: The Centre has notified stringent environment standards to make cities and towns shift to less polluting and quieter gensets. This the first time such mandated certifications have been notified for gensets running on LPG or natural gas or in combination with diesel and petrol.

"The primary aim is to control air and noise pollution emanating from the gensets. These standards will be revisited in 4-5 years once air and noise emission quality data and technological details pertaining to the gensets are available," the environment ministry said.

Under the new standards, manufacturers across the country are required to obtain certification for engine products by empanelled agencies which will help in regulating the unorganised sector. It will also help in curbing illegal import of gensets, which have been observed to have higher air and noise pollution levels.

These standards were recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after consultations with industries and other stakeholders. These standards were recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after consultations with industries and other stakeholders. It will be implemented in all states by their respective state pollution control boards with the help of local civic authorities.

"These standards have mandated certification for gensets in terms of `type approval' and `conformity of production' for air emission as well as noise emission," said the ministry.

The draft standards were issued by the ministry in July last year for seeking views and comments of stakeholders, including the public, for extensive consultations. "Based on the recommendations of an expert committee, these standards have been notified by the gazette on March 7," said an official.

Recently, the ministry had also notified improved environmental standards for thermal power plants, common effluent treatment plants and cement and sugar industries. "New stringent environmental standards for all these industries will go a long way in reducing air pollution," said the official.